Preparing for Holy Week: Your Heart and Your Crown
As I’m writing this article (meant also to be an Easter devotional for women) about preparing for Holy Week, we are about two weeks shy of this momentous event in our Christian history.
As we approach Holy Week, I thought it would be fitting to share some reflections for our upcoming celebrations. I also wanted to make this a guide to help you prepare your heart and give you some tips for your hair.
We’ll dive into the powerful meaning of Easter, pray, reflect on scriptures that bring hope, and explore scriptures to get you spiritually ready. Then, the cherry on top (just an added bonus but not to take away from the most important part of the season…Jesus), some basic tips for hair care and styling.
Let’s get ready to celebrate our risen King with a spirit of reverence, strength, and a bit of hair care.
The Meaning of Easter: He Is Risen
Other than His birth and crucifixion, Jesus’ resurrection is the most important event in human history. He had to be born to die for our sins, but He had to rise again to complete the story of our redemption.
I could write an entire book on the meaning of Easter. In fact, many have already been written, so I won’t even attempt to do so. Here are a couple:
- The Gift of the Cross: Embracing the Promise of the Resurrection by Dr. Charles Stanley
- The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates Evidence for the Resurrection
Let’s look at what Easter is in its shortest explanation (but I recommend you read at least one of those books for a more in-depth examination to grasp the meaning of Easter.)
The meaning of Easter simplified
Easter, in essence, is the pivotal moment in history when the King of Kings and Lord of Lords stepped out of the grave and finished His work on the cross, to redeem mankind to Himself, making it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins once and for all time.
Jesus tore down the wall of division (Ephesians 2:14-16) that separated mankind from God when He died and then rose from the dead on the 3rd day. Now, He ever lives to make intercession for us. (Hebrews 7:25).
Easter Bible Verses: Encouragement & Hope in the Resurrection
With a basic understanding of Easter, let’s now look at some Bible verses of encouragement that give us hope in the resurrection of Christ.
- Matthew 28:6 (NIV) – “The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.”
- Mark 16:6 (NLT) – “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead. Look, this is where they laid his body.”
- Luke 24:6-7 (NKJV)– He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”
- John 11:25 (NASB) – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
- John 20:19-21 (NIV) – On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
- Romans 6:4 (NLT) – For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
- Romans 6:9 (NLT)– We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over Him.
- Ephesians 1:19-20 (NIV) – And His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms.
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Easter Prayers: A Heartfelt Prayer to Celebrate the Resurrection
The resurrection can bring up so many feelings, from gratitude to sadness. We are grateful that the Lord took our sins upon Himself, but it can also make you feel very sad that He had to do so in the first place.
While a wave of emotions can be stirred up leading to Holy week and even beyond, God does not want us to feel anything other than thankful. Condemnation is not from Him. He’s about conviction that leads to reconciliation. So, let this prayer strengthen you and warm your heart:
Father God, I come to you in the Precious, Holy Name of Jesus. I pray for my sisters (and any brothers) who read this prayer that you would illuminate to them your great love. Help us to not cave into feelings of condemnation or guilt but to thank you and honor you for rescuing us from sin.
Lord, let Holy Week open our eyes to our own weaknesses. Lead us be very aware that it’s in You that we live, and move and have our being. Let your precious Word permeate our hearts and minds and set us on a path of freedom, deliverance and gratitude this Easter season.
In Jesus Name. Amen
Preparing Your Heart To Walk in Resurrection Power: Be A Proverbs 31 Woman
I want to remind you that as Holy Week approaches, it’s important to see the benefits from different angles of what Jesus died to provide for us. The resurrection power of Christ will transform your life if you let it.
It’s what enables us women to become a Proverbs 31 woman, full of grace and strength. So, focus on opening your heart to God’s strength, allowing His power to help you grow into the woman of God He created you to be.
The Proverbs 31 woman of the Bible shows us what it looks like to be resilient, resourceful, and purposeful. Let’s step into that strength, knowing that with God’s help, we can be a reflection of Jesus’ resurrection power daily.
Preparing Your “Crown” for Holy Week
Now, let’s talk about our crown – our hair.
I remember growing up and preparing for Palm Sunday and Easter services. My mom would wash, deep condition, press my hair, and curl it. The works is what I call it
Even after becoming an adult, I still put a little extra time and effort into preparing my hair for the days leading up to Easter. It’s really an expression of appreciation for being blessed with the crown I’ve been given.
Here are some simple tips (and ideas) to prepare your crown for Holy Week, including Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter services:
- First, remember that it’s not about how you look. God loves you no matter what.
- Style with simplicity. Remember, this season isn’t about you. You don’t want to go to church and have the focus be on your hair. Consider a protective updo hairstyle.
- To prep, do what you would normally do for a full day of hair care, but if you plan to heat style, add in a light protein treatment to give your hair a little more strength
- If you’ll be doing a roller set, give your hair at least 1 day for the curls to “drop” unless you prefer tighter curls
- Embrace your natural texture as an expression of gratitude to the Lord for your hair
- Accessorize your hair with a subtle expression of your faith, like these hair clips with the words Blessed or a cross.
Let’s Rejoice – He Is Risen!
I pray that you’ve found this Easter devotional about preparing for Holy Week for your heart and your crown for Holy Week insightful and helpful. From the Easter Bible verses to the Easter Prayer, I hope you’ve been blessed.
Never forget that God loves you and He paid an amazing price by giving of His own life for our freedom. God bless you and Happy Palm Sunday, Blessed Good Friday, and Happy Easter.
